Rotating valve assembly including multi-lumen spherical valve

ABSTRACT

A valve assembly includes a valve housing having an upper body portion and a lower body portion that define an internal chamber for accommodating a valve member. The housing has axially aligned inlet and outlet ports. The valve assembly includes a generally spherical valve member seated within the internal chamber that defines first and second bores. The first bore defines a first longitudinal axis and the second bore defines a second longitudinal axis offset relative to the first longitudinal axis. The valve member is mounted for movement between a first position and a second position. The valve assembly includes a caroming mechanism for moving the valve member between the first position and the second position, including cam surfaces formed on the exterior surface of the valve member and a cam pin formed on the interior surface of the upper body portion of the housing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of currently-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/640,009, filed Dec. 15, 2006 now U.S.Pat. No. 7,874,308 and entitled “Rotating Valve Assembly,” which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/856,011, filed May28, 2004, entitled “Rotating Valve Assembly,” now issued as U.S. Pat.No. 7,165,568 on Jan. 23, 2007, which is based on U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/516,569, filed Oct. 31, 2003, entitled“Valve Assembly for Surgical Access Device”, which is based on NewZealand Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 526,158, filed May 29,2003, entitled “Rotating Sealing Mechanism,” the disclosures of each ofthese applications being herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The subject invention relates generally to the field of sealingmechanisms, and more particularly to, a compact valve assembly for usein a variety of applications, which includes a multi-lumen/bore,generally spherical valve member that is readily actuated betweenpositions, e.g., open and closed positions, by a camming mechanism.

2. Background of the Related Art

Ball valves are well known to those skilled in the art and are commonlyused in a variety of applications and industries. Typically, inapplications that concern controlling the flow of a fluid, an aperturedball valve is selected. In an apertured ball valve, a generallyspherical valve member that has a flow aperture or passage formedtherethrough is positioned for rotational movement within a valvehousing. The valve operation or function is broken down into twoseparate stages. First, the ball moves between an open and a closedposition by rotating through 90 degrees, such that the aperture or flowpassage moves from an orientation coaxial with the flow direction, i.e.when the valve is open, to a position whereby the ball aperture isnormal or perpendicular to the flow direction. Second, the valve sealsin the closed position to prevent flow through the aperture across theball valve. Therefore, the on-off control of flow through the valve isachieved by rotating the ball through 90 degrees within the valvehousing.

In prior art ball valves; the rotation of the ball (i.e., valve member)is typically effectuated by an actuator mechanism that protrudes fromthe valve housing and is configured to rotate about an axisperpendicular to that of the valve flow. Such a valve is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,695,285 to Hotton et al.

Several disadvantages are associated with this type of ball valve. Forexample, the extension of an actuator from the sidewall of the valve iscumbersome and not desirable for applications where space limitationsand physical access to the actuator are a concern. Still further, theactuator in these valves must be rotated or turned through at least 90degrees in order for the valve to move between the fully open and fullyclosed positions.

Therefore, it would be beneficial therefore, to provide a valve/sealmechanism that is compact, reliable and readily actuated between theopen and closed position and actuated with a minimal amount ofrotational movement.

SUMMARY

The subject application is directed to a valve/seal assembly that isadapted for use in a variety of applications, such as for example,medical, consumer beverage, pharmaceutical containers, automobile,household appliance and marine. The disclosed valve includes, interalia, a valve housing having an upper body portion and a lower bodyportion and a generally spherical valve member. The upper and lower bodyportions of the housing define an internal chamber for accommodating thevalve member and a central axis for the valve. The housing also hasaxially aligned inlet and outlet ports formed in the upper and lowerbody portions, respectively.

The generally spherical valve member is seated within the internalchamber of the valve housing and has an axial bore extendingtherethrough. The valve member is mounted for movement between an openposition; wherein the axial bore of the valve member is axially alignedwith the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing, and a closedposition; wherein the axial bore of the valve member is out of alignmentwith the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing. Preferably, thevalve member moves between the open position and the closed positionwhen the upper body portion of the housing is rotated about the centralaxis between about 57 degrees and about 77 degrees with respect to thelower body portion. It is presently envisioned that the valve member ismounted for axial rotation within the interior chamber about an axisextending perpendicular to the central axis defined by the upper andlower body portion of the valve housing.

Preferably, the valve member includes a sealing surface adapted forsealing engagement with a valve seat formed in the housing when thevalve is in the closed position. In applications where a pressure isapplied to the fluid or air metered by the valve, the sealing surface ofthe valve member is adapted to include an annular recess having ano-ring disposed therein.

The valve assembly further includes a mechanism that is operativelyassociated with the valve housing and the valve member for moving thevalve member between the open position and the closed position when theupper body portion of the housing is rotated about the central axis withrespect to the lower body portion. In a preferred embodiment, themechanism for actuating the valve assembly is a camming mechanism.

In a present embodiment, the camming mechanism includes cam surfacesformed on the exterior surface of the valve member and a cam pin formedon the interior surface of the upper body portion of the housing. It isenvisioned that the cam surfaces formed on the exterior surface of thevalve member are defined by a pair of cam lobes formed at angles to oneanother. The cam lobes can be arcuate or linear in configuration.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the camming mechanismincludes at least one arcuate recess formed on the exterior surface ofthe valve member and a cam pin formed on the interior surface of theupper body portion of the housing for engaging with the cam recess.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing for the valve assembly includesmeans associated with the inlet port for engaging the valve with areceptacle or tubing. Additionally, if desired, the housing can includesmeans associated with the outlet port for engaging the valve with areceptacle or tubing.

In applications that require the valve to include a tamper-proof featureto ensure the purity of the substance contained within the bore of thevalve member or in the receptacle or container, upon which the valve isaffixed to, the valve further includes a frangible ring engaged withexterior of the valve housing to provide a visual indication of whetherthe valve has been opened. Alternatively or in combination, the valvecan include a frangible sealing disc inserted into the interior chamberof the valve to again provide a visual indication of whether the valvehas been opened. This sealing disc also functions as a secondary sealfor the valve until its initial use. In this embodiment, it isenvisioned that the valve member includes a mechanism for puncturing thedisc when the valve is opened. For example, a sharp protuberance can beformed on the bottom of the valve member which cuts the sealing discwhen the valve is moved from the closed to the open position.

In an alternative embodiment, the axial bore of the valve member isadapted and configured for receiving and storing an article ofmanufacture when the valve is in the closed position. For example, anaward or small prize may be stored in the bore and revealed when thevalve is opened. Still further, the valve could be mounted to a waterbottle and the bore of the valve could contain a vitamin or supplementwhich is dropped into the water when the valve is opened.

It is further envisioned that the valve can include a mechanismassociated with the valve housing for facilitating the axial rotation ofthe upper body portion of the housing relative to the lower bodyportion.

In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of flow passages are formed inthe valve member and extend therethrough along an axis that isperpendicular to the axial bore such that when the valve is in theclosed position, fluid or air traverses the valve through the pluralityof flow passages.

The present disclosure is also directed to a surgical access devicewhich includes, among other things, a valve housing, an elongatedcannula sleeve operatively associated with the housing, a generallyspherical valve member disposed within an interior chamber defined inthe housing and a mechanism operatively associated with the valvehousing and the valve member for moving the valve member between theopen position and the closed position.

The valve housing defines an interior chamber and a valve seat foraccommodating the valve member. Axially aligned inlet and outlet portsare formed in the housing and extend from the valve exterior to theinterior chamber.

The elongated cannula sleeve that is operatively associated with thevalve housing, has an elongated passageway extending therethrough thatdefines a longitudinal axis aligned with the inlet and outlet ports ofthe valve housing. In a disclosed embodiment, the cannula sleeve dependsfrom a cannula housing associated with the valve housing. It isenvisioned that the cannula housing can be detachably connected to thevalve housing.

The generally spherical valve member is seated within the valve housingand has an axial bore extending therethrough. The valve member ismounted for movement between an open position and a closed position. Inthe open position, the axial bore of the valve member is axially alignedwith the elongated passageway of the cannula sleeve and the inlet andoutlet ports of the valve housing. In the closed position, the axialbore of the valve member extends perpendicular to the elongatedpassageway of the cannula sleeve and the inlet and outlet ports of thevalve housing. It is envisioned that the valve member is mounted foraxial rotation within the valve interior chamber about an axis extendingperpendicular to the axially aligned inlet and outlet ports of the valvehousing.

It is presently envisioned that the valve member includes a convexsealing surface, which is aligned with the inlet port of the valvehousing when the valve member is in the closed position. In alternativeembodiments that require a pressure tight seal, the sealing surface ofthe valve member includes an annular recess having an o-ring disposedtherein.

In a preferred embodiment, the mechanism for moving the valve memberincludes cam surfaces formed on the exterior surface of the valve memberand a cam pin mounted for movement relative to the cam surfaces of thevalve member. Preferably, the cam pin extends radially inwardly from adrive ring supported on the valve housing and mounted for rotation aboutthe longitudinal axis of the cannula sleeve. The rotation of the drivering causes corresponding rotation of the valve member within the valveseat of the valve housing.

In a disclosed embodiment of the surgical access device, the camsurfaces formed on the exterior surface of the valve member are definedby a pair of cam lobes oriented with respect to the axis of rotation ofthe valve member at angles to one another.

In an alternative embodiment, the mechanism operatively associated withthe valve housing and the valve member for moving the valve memberbetween the open position and the closed position includes at least onearcuate recess formed on the exterior surface of the valve member and acam pin formed on the interior surface of the housing for engaging withthe cam recess.

It is presently preferred that the surgical access device furtherincludes a membrane seal located proximal to the valve seat, themembrane seal having an opening axially aligned with the elongatedpassageway of the cannula sleeve. The opening is dimensioned toaccommodate the passage of a surgical instrument therethrough.

Those skilled in the art would readily appreciate that the components ofthe disclosed valve assembly, or portions thereof, may be manufacturedfrom any rigid, semi-rigid, hard or semi-hard material, such as plastic,rubber, metal or a composite. Still further, in medical applications thevalve assembly can be made out of titanium or a similar biocompatiblematerial.

Additionally, the generally spherical valve member can be formed to havean interference fit with the valve seat so as to provide a tighter seal.By forming the valve member or valve seat slightly out-of-round, atighter seal is created and more force is required to open the valve.

It is also envisioned that a telescoping nozzle or sleeve can bedisposed within the axial bore of the valve member and when the valve ismoved to the open position, the nozzle or sleeve extends out of thevalve inlet. This feature is useful in a variety of applications, suchas for example, beverage or gasoline containers.

Still further, it is envisioned that the valve assembly of the presentinvention can be connected to stepper motor and thereby be operatedremotely.

In accordance with various embodiments, the present invention may alsoprovide for a valve assembly comprising: a) a valve housing having anupper body portion and a lower body portion, the upper and lower bodyportions defining an internal chamber for accommodating a valve memberand a central axis for the valve, the housing having axially alignedinlet and outlet ports formed in the upper and lower body portions,respectively; b) a generally spherical valve member seated within theinternal chamber of the valve housing and having first and second boresextending therethrough, the first bore defining a first longitudinalaxis and the second bore having a second longitudinal axis offsetrelative to the first longitudinal axis, the valve member mounted formovement between a first position wherein the first bore of the valvemember is axially aligned with the inlet and outlet ports of the valvehousing and the second bore of the valve member is axially misalignedwith the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing, and a secondposition wherein the second bore of the valve member is axially alignedwith the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing and the first boreof the valve member is axially misaligned with the inlet and outletports of the valve housing; and c) a camming mechanism for moving thevalve member between the first position and the second position,including cam surfaces formed on the exterior surface of the valvemember and a cam pin formed on the interior surface of the upper bodyportion of the housing, wherein the cam surfaces formed on the exteriorsurface of the valve member are defined by a pair of arcuate cam lobesformed at angles to one another.

The first bore may define a first diameter and the second bore maydefine a second diameter, the first diameter being different from thesecond diameter. Each one of the first and second bores may beconfigured and dimensioned to receive, when aligned with the inlet andoutlet ports of the valve housing, a surgical instrument. There may bedisposed in each one of the first and second bores respective first andsecond seals. The first seal disposed in the first bore may beconfigured and dimensioned to sealingly engage with a surgicalinstrument having a first instrument diameter and the seal of the secondbore may be configured and dimensioned to sealingly engage with asurgical instrument having a second instrument diameter that isdifferent from the first instrument diameter. The valve member may bemounted for movement to a third position wherein the first and secondbores of the valve member are both axially misaligned with the inlet andoutlet ports of the valve housing. The camming mechanism may include atleast one arcuate recess formed on the exterior surface of the valvemember and a cam pin formed on the interior surface of the upper bodyportion of the housing for engaging with the cam recess. The valvemember may be mounted for rotation within the interior chamber about anaxis extending perpendicular to the central axis defined by the upperand lower body portion of the valve housing. The housing may include aconnection for a cannula tube. The valve assembly may also include arotation mechanism for facilitating the axial rotation of the lower bodyportion of the housing relative to the upper body portion. The valvemember may move between the first position and the second position whenthe upper body portion of the housing is rotated about the central axisbetween about 57 degrees and about 77 degrees with respect to the lowerbody portion.

In accordance with various embodiments, the present invention may alsoprovide for a surgical device comprising: a) a valve housing defining avalve seat for accommodating a valve member, and having axially alignedinlet and outlet ports; b) an elongated cannula sleeve operativelyassociated with the valve housing and having an elongated passagewayextending therethrough which defines a longitudinal axis aligned withthe inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing; c) a generallyspherical valve member seated within the internal chamber of the valvehousing and having first and second bores extending therethrough, thefirst bore defining a first longitudinal axis and the second bore havinga second longitudinal axis offset relative to the first longitudinalaxis, the valve member mounted for movement between a first positionwherein the first bore of the valve member is axially aligned with theinlet and outlet ports of the valve housing and the second bore of thevalve member is axially misaligned with the inlet and outlet ports ofthe valve housing, and a second position wherein the second bore of thevalve member is axially aligned with the inlet and outlet ports of thevalve housing and the first bore of the valve member is axiallymisaligned with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing; and d)a camming mechanism including cam surfaces formed on the exteriorsurface of the valve member and a cam pin mounted for movement relativeto the cam surfaces of the valve member, wherein the cam pin extendsradially inwardly from a drive ring supported on the valve housing andmounted for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the cannula sleeve,and wherein rotation of the drive ring causes corresponding rotation ofthe valve member within the valve seat of the valve housing, and whereinthe cam surfaces formed on the exterior surface of the valve member aredefined by a pair of cam lobes oriented with respect to the axis ofrotation of the valve member at angles to one another.

The first bore may define a first diameter and the second bore maydefine a second diameter, the first diameter being different from thesecond diameter. Each one of the first and second bores may beconfigured and dimensioned to receive, when aligned with the inlet andoutlet ports of the valve housing, a surgical instrument. There may bedisposed in each one of the first and second bores respective first andsecond seals. The first seal disposed in the first bore may beconfigured and dimensioned to sealingly engage with a surgicalinstrument having a first instrument diameter and the seal of the secondbore may be configured and dimensioned to sealingly engage with asurgical instrument having a second instrument diameter that isdifferent from the first instrument diameter. The valve member may bemounted for movement to a third position wherein the first and secondbores of the valve member are both axially misaligned with the inlet andoutlet ports of the valve housing. The camming mechanism may include atleast one arcuate recess formed on the exterior surface of the valvemember and a cam pin formed on the interior surface of the upper bodyportion of the housing for engaging with the cam recess. The valvemember may be mounted for rotation within the interior chamber about anaxis extending perpendicular to the central axis defined by the upperand lower body portion of the valve housing. The surgical device mayalso include a rotation mechanism for facilitating the axial rotation ofthe lower body portion of the housing relative to the upper bodyportion. The valve member may move between the first position and thesecond position when the upper body portion of the housing is rotatedabout the central axis between about 57 degrees and about 77 degreeswith respect to the lower body portion.

In accordance with various embodiments, the present invention may alsoprovide for a valve assembly comprising: a) a valve housing defining avalve seat for accommodating a valve member, and having axially alignedinlet and outlet ports; b) a generally spherical valve member seatedwithin the internal chamber of the valve housing and having first andsecond bores extending therethrough, the first bore defining a firstlongitudinal axis and the second bore having a second longitudinal axisoffset relative to the first longitudinal axis, the valve member mountedfor movement between a first position wherein the first bore of thevalve member is axially aligned with the inlet and outlet ports of thevalve housing and the second bore of the valve member is axiallymisaligned with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing, and asecond position wherein the second bore of the valve member is axiallyaligned with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing and thefirst bore of the valve member is axially misaligned with the inlet andoutlet ports of the valve housing, wherein the valve member is mountedfor axial rotation within the valve seat about an axis extendingperpendicular to the axially aligned inlet and outlet ports of the valvehousing; and c) a camming mechanism operatively associated with thevalve housing and the valve member for moving the valve member betweenthe first position and the second position including cam surfaces formedon the exterior surface of the valve member and a cam pin mounted formovement relative to the cam surfaces of the valve member, wherein thecam surfaces formed on the exterior surface of the valve member aredefined by a pair of cam lobes oriented with respect to the axis ofrotation of the valve member at angles to one another.

The first bore may define a first diameter and the second bore maydefine a second diameter, the first diameter being different from thesecond diameter. Each one of the first and second bores may beconfigured and dimensioned to receive, when aligned with the inlet andoutlet ports of the valve housing, a surgical instrument. There may bedisposed in each one of the first and second bores respective first andsecond seals. The first seal disposed in the first bore may beconfigured and dimensioned to sealingly engage with a surgicalinstrument having a first instrument diameter and the seal of the secondbore may be configured and dimensioned to sealingly engage with asurgical instrument having a second instrument diameter that isdifferent from the first instrument diameter. The valve member may bemounted for movement to a third position wherein the first and secondbores of the valve member are both axially misaligned with the inlet andoutlet ports of the valve housing. The camming mechanism may include atleast one arcuate recess formed on the exterior surface of the valvemember and a cam pin formed on the interior surface of the upper bodyportion of the housing for engaging with the cam recess. The valvemember may be mounted for rotation within the interior chamber about anaxis extending perpendicular to the central axis defined by the upperand lower body portion of the valve housing. The housing may include aconnection for a cannula tube. The valve assembly may also include arotation mechanism for facilitating the axial rotation of the lower bodyportion of the housing relative to the upper body portion. The valvemember may move between the first position and the second position whenthe upper body portion of the housing is rotated about the central axisbetween about 57 degrees and about 77 degrees with respect to the lowerbody portion. The cam pin may extends radially inwardly from a drivering supported on the valve housing and may be mounted for axialrotation relative to the axially aligned inlet and outlet ports, whereinrotation of the drive ring causes corresponding rotation of the valvemember within the valve seat of the valve housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the presentapplication appertains will more readily understand how to make and usethe surgical access device and valve assembly of the present invention,embodiments thereof will be described in detail hereinbelow withreference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a valve assembly constructed inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view from above of the valve assemblyof FIG. 1 with parts separated for ease of illustration;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view from below of the valve assemblyof FIG. 1 with parts separated for ease of illustration;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofthe valve assembly of the present invention with parts separated forease of illustration, wherein the valve includes a frangible ring;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofthe valve assembly of the present invention with parts separated forease of illustration, wherein the valve includes a sealing disc disposedwithin the interior chamber of the housing;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a valve assembly constructed inaccordance with an alternative embodiment of the subject invention,wherein the valve assembly is engaged with a beverage container and isadapted for engagement with a cap;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a valve assembly constructed inaccordance with an alternative embodiment of the subject invention withparts separated for ease of illustration, wherein a prize is storedwithin the bore formed in the valve member;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a valve assembly constructed inaccordance with a further alternative embodiment of the subjectinvention, wherein the valve assembly is mounted on the end of a tubingwhich is in fluid communication with a container;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a valve assembly constructed inaccordance with a further alternative embodiment of the subjectinvention, wherein the valve assembly is mounted on a container and astraw assembly is position within the open valve;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the valve assembly of the presentdisclosure which illustrates the valve positioned between twocontainers;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the valve assembly of the presentdisclosure adapted for use with a colostomy bag;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the valve assembly of FIG. 11 withparts separated for ease of illustration;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofthe presently disclosed valve assembly with parts separated for ease ofillustration, wherein the valve member includes a plurality of flowpassages extending through the valve perpendicular to the central bore;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative application for thevalve assembly of the present invention, wherein the valve is used in aautomobile fuel tank;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a surgical access device constructed inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the surgical access device ofFIG. 15 with parts separated for ease of illustration;

FIG. 17 a is a perspective view in partial cross-section of the valvehousing, which forms part of the surgical access device of FIG. 15,wherein the valve member is shown in an open position with the axialbore of the valve member aligned with the axially aligned inlet andoutlet ports of the valve;

FIG. 17 b is a perspective view in partial cross-section of the valvehousing of the subject invention, wherein the valve member is intransition from the open position of FIG. 17 a to the closed position ofFIG. 17 c;

FIG. 17 c is a perspective view in partial cross-section of the valvehousing of the subject invention, wherein the valve member is disposedin a closed position so that the axial bore of the valve member isoriented perpendicular to the axially aligned inlet and outlet ports ofthe valve housing;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the surgicalaccess device of the subject invention, which includes a detachablevalve housing; and

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the surgical access device of FIG. 18,with the valve housing separated from the cannula housing for ease ofillustration.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a surgical accessdevice constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a cannulahousing of the surgical access device of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22A is a perspective view in partial cross-section of the cannulahousing, which forms part of the surgical access device of FIGS. 20-21,wherein a valve seated in the cannula housing is shown in a firstorientation with a longitudinal axis of a first lumen of the valvealigned with a longitudinal axis of a portal of the surgical accessdevice;

FIG. 22B is a perspective view in partial cross-section of the cannulahousing of the present disclosure, wherein the valve is disposed intransition from the first orientation of FIG. 22A to a secondorientation of FIG. 22C; and

FIG. 22C is a perspective view in partial cross-section of the cannulahousing of the present disclosure, wherein the valve is shown in asecond orientation with a longitudinal axis of a second lumen of thevalve aligned with the longitudinal axis of the portal of the surgicalaccess device of FIGS. 20-22B.

These and other features of the valve assembly and surgical accessdevice of the present application will become more readily apparent tothose having ordinary skill in the art form the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identifysimilar structural elements or features of the subject invention, thereis illustrated in FIG. 1 a valve assembly in accordance with the presentinvention and designated generally by reference number 100. Valveassembly 100 is adapted for use in a variety of applications, such asfor example, medical, consumer beverage, pharmaceutical containers,automobile, household appliance and marine. Valve 100 includes, interalia, a valve housing 10 having an upper body portion 20 and a lowerbody portion 30 and a generally spherical valve member 50. The upper andlower body portions 20/30 of the housing 10 define an internal chamber16 for accommodating the valve member 50 and a central axis “X” for thevalve. The housing 10 also has axially aligned inlet and outlet ports,12 and 14 respectively, formed in the upper and lower body portions, 20and 30 respectively.

The generally spherical valve member 50 is seated within the internalchamber 16 of the valve housing and has an axial bore 52 extendingtherethrough. The valve member 50 is mounted for movement within theinternal chamber 16 of the housing 10 between an open position and aclosed position. FIG. 3 a illustrates valve assembly 100 in the openposition; wherein the axial bore 52 of the valve member 50 is axiallyaligned with the inlet port 12 and outlet port 14 of the valve housing10. In a like manner, FIG. 3 c illustrates the valve assembly 100 in theclosed position; wherein the axial bore 52 of the valve member 50 is outof alignment with the inlet and outlet ports 12/16 of the valve housing10. FIG. 3 b, provides a detail of the valve assembly 100 in anintermediate position. It should be noted that in FIGS. 3 a through 3 c,valve assembly 100 is shown mounted on the neck of a container 62.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 3 a through 3 c, valve member 100moves between the open position and the closed position when the upperbody portion 20 of the housing is rotated about the central axis “X”between about 57 degrees and about 77 degrees with respect to the lowerbody portion 30. The valve member 100 is mounted for axial rotationwithin the interior chamber about an axis “Y” (see FIG. 3 b) extendingperpendicular to the central axis “X” defined by the upper and lowerbody portions 20/30 of the valve housing 10.

The valve member 50 includes a sealing surface 54 which is adapted forsealing engagement with annular valve seat 18 formed in the housing 10when the valve is in the closed position. In applications where apressure is applied to the fluid or air that is metered by the valveassembly, the sealing surface 54 of the valve member 50 includes anannular recess 56 (see FIG. 2) having an o-ring (not shown) disposedtherein.

Diametrically opposed pivot pins 58 (only one pin is shown in FIG. 2)extend radially outwardly from the surface of valve member 50 foraccommodation within diametrically opposed recesses 32 a and 32 formedin the lower body portion 30 of the housing 10 to facilitate the axialrotation of valve member 50.

A camming mechanism is operatively associated with the valve housing 10and the valve member 50 for moving the valve member 50 between the openposition of FIG. 3 a and the closed position of FIG. 3 c. The cammingmechanism includes cam lobes 60 a, 60 b formed on the exterior surfaceof the valve member 50 and a cam pin 22 which extends radially inwardlyfrom the interior surface of the upper body portion 20 of the housing 10to cooperate with the cam lobes. As will be described in detail hereinbelow, the valve assembly can be equipped with a drive ring which isengaged over the upper body portion of the housing. In such anembodiment, the cam pin can be associated with the drive ring such thatthe drive ring actuates the valve member.

Referring again to FIG. 3 b, the cam lobes 60 a, 60 b are orientatedwith respect to the axis of rotation “Y” of the valve member 50 atangles to one another. Each cam lobe 60 a, 60 b has a leading edge 61 a,61 b that interacts with the cam pin 22. This interaction facilitatesmovement of the valve member 50 when the upper body portion 20 isrotated about the longitudinal axis X of the valve assembly 100. Whenthe valve member 50 is moved between the open and closed positions, itis rotated about the pivot axis “Y” which extends through the pivot pin58 of valve member 50, as illustrated in FIG. 3 b.

Those skilled in the art would readily appreciate that in lieu of thecam lobes 60 a and 60 b, a single arcuate recess or pair of recesses canbe formed in the exterior surface of valve member 50. In thisembodiment, the length of cam pin 22 would be selected so that itextends into the camming recess(es) and actuates the valve member 50between the open and closed positions upon the relative axial rotationof the two body portions 20/30 of the housing 10 with respect to eachother.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower body portion 30 of valveassembly 100 has a female thread series 34 formed thereon for engagingwith corresponding male series associated with a receptacle (e.g.bottle, container, etc.), tubing or the like. Ribbed surface 36 isprovided on the exterior of the lower body portion 30 of the housing 10to facilitate the rotational engagement of the threads.

A water pressure test was conducted on a valve assembly similar to thatdescribed above. The entire valve was manufactured from a rigidtheremoplastic and did not include O-ring seals. The camming lobes wereconstructed such that 67 degrees of rotation was required to move thevalve between the open and the closed position. The axial bore of thevalve was approximately ¾″ in diameter. Six feet of water was applied tothe valve through a ⅜″ tube that was secured to the valve outlet. Noleaking of the valve was observed and therefore, it was concluded thatthis embodiment of the valve assembly was capable of sealing fluid at apressure of 3 psi (minimum).

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated an alternative embodimentof the valve assembly of the present invention designated generally byreference numeral 200. Valve 200 is similar in structure and operationto valve assembly 100. However, unlike valve assembly 100, valveassembly 200 includes a frangible ring 270 which is adapted to beengaged with the housing (i.e., the upper and lower body portions 220,230) of the valve assembly 200. The frangible ring 270 has been added tovalve assembly 200 to provide a visual indication of whether the valvehas been previously opened. Frangible ring 270 is molded around theupper and lower body portions 220, 230 of the housing so that when thebody portions are rotated relative to each of the, the ring 270 isbroken. Such a tamper-proof feature would be useful in applicationswhere the valve is with consumer beverages, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 5 which illustrates a further embodiment of thevalve assembly of the present invention that has been designated byreference number 300. Valve 300 is similar in structure and operation tovalve assembly 100. However, unlike valve 100, valve 300 includes afrangible sealing disc 370 which is positioned within the interiorchamber 316 defined in part by the lower body portion of the housing.Frangible sealing disc 370 can function as a tamper-proof feature, aswell as, provide an additional seal for valve assembly 300. In thisembodiment, the valve member 350 has a shape protuberance 364 formed onits exterior surface. When the valve member 350 is rotated from the opento the closed position the protuberance 364 punctures the sealing disc370 allowing fluid or air to flow through the valve member 350 when itis returned to the closed position.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, which illustrate yet another embodimentof the valve assembly of the present invention designated generally byreference numeral 400. Valve assembly 400 is similar in structure andoperation to valve assembly 100. As shown in these figures, valveassembly 400 is threadably engaged with the neck 462 of container 465. Acap 488 is provided which engages with the upper portion 420 of thevalve assembly 400. Like the previously disclosed valve assemblies,valve member 450 has a axial bore 452 formed therein which allows fluidor air to flow through the valve assembly 400 when the valve member 450is in the open position. Still further, the axial bore 452 is adaptedfor receiving and storing an article of manufacture 453 or fluid, suchas for example, a prize, a ticket, a vitamin supplement, or amedication. In such embodiments, it would be advantageous to insert asealing disc into the valve assembly similar that disclosed withreference to FIG. 5 to prevent to article of manufacture from fallinginto the container during storage. Alternatively, a removable seal canbe placed over the mouth of container 462.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9 which illustrate an alternate applicationfor valve 400. In FIG. 8, valve 400 is mounted on the end of a tubingassembly 472. Tubing assembly 472 includes two end connectors 474 a, 474b and an elongated tube 476. End connector 474 a is threadably engagedwith the neck of container 465 and includes a central aperture which isadapted to allow tube 476 to telescope in and out of container 465.Valve assembly 400 is engaged with end connector 474 b such that whenthe valve is in the open position, fluid can flow from the container 465through the tubing assembly 472 and out of the valve 400.

FIG. 9 illustrates valve assembly 400 mounted on the neck 462 ofcontainer 465. Valve assembly 400 is shown in the open position havingstraw assembly 572 inserted into the axial bore 552. Straw assembly 572includes a straw 576 and a plug member 574. The plug member 574 has acircumferential O-ring 575 and is adapted for sealing engagement withthe inlet port of valve 400.

Referring now to FIG. 10, which illustrates a further embodiment of thevalve assembly of the present invention, designated generally byreference numeral 500. As shown herein, valve assembly 500 is being usedto meter the flow between two containers 565 a, 565 b. The flow pathbetween the containers includes upper and lower conduit assemblies 572a, 572 b and valve assembly 500. The conduit assemblies are sealinglyengaged between containers 565 a, 565 b and the valve assembly 500.

Valve assembly 500 is similar in structure and function to valveassembly 100. However, unlike valve assembly 100, valve assembly 500includes actuator arms 528 a through 528 d that facilitate the relativerotation of the upper body portion 520 of the valve assembly 500 withrespect to the lower body portion 530 thereby moving the valve memberbetween the open and closed positions. O-rings 525 are provided to sealthe connections of the components and prevent leakage from the flowpath.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, wherein valve assembly 600 is shownused in conjunction with a colostomy bag assembly 665. Colostomy bagassembly 665 includes a bag 667, a proximal ring 669 and a distal ring671. The proximal ring 669 has an outer flange that is sealingly engagedwith the bag 667. Two retaining pins 675 a, 675 b are formed on theinside diameter of the proximal ring 669. These pins 675 a, 675 b areinserted into corresponding engagement recesses 629 a, 629 b formed invalve assembly 600 and secure the valve assembly 600 to the proximalring 669. Similarly, distal ring 671, which is secured to the surface ofthe patient's body, includes retaining pins 673 a, 673 b that areinserted into corresponding engagement recesses 631 a (not show), 631 bformed in valve assembly 600. Valve assembly 600 has been equipped withan actuator arm 628 which allows the patient to move the valve betweenthe open and the closed position as desired.

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is illustrated showerhead which includesa valve assembly constructed in accordance with an alternativeembodiment of the present invention and designated by reference numeral700. Again, valve assembly 700 is similar in structure and operation tothe previously disclosed valves, but unlike the prior valves, valveassembly 700 has a plurality of flow passages 753 formed in the valvemember 750.

The flow passages 753 extend along an axis that is perpendicular to theaxial bore 752 such that when the valve member is in the closedposition, fluid traverses the valve through the plurality of flowpassages 753. Hence when the valve assembly 700 is in the open position,a single jet of water is emitted from the showerhead assembly and whenit is in the closed position, water streams from the flow passages 753.O-ring seals 755 a, 755 b and 757 a, 757 b are provided at both ends ofthe axial bore 752 and flow passages 753 to properly seal the valve whenin the open and closed positions, respectively.

The showerhead disclosed in FIG. 13 is also equipped with a control ring790 that sealingly engages with the upper portion 720 of the valveassembly 700 using O-ring seal 792. Control ring 790 has a drive pin 722formed on its interior surface. Drive pin 722 projects through the slot721 formed in the upper portion 720 of the valve assembly 700 andengages with the cam lobes 760 a, 760 b formed the valve member 750.Thus, rotation of the control ring 790 with respect to the lower bodyportion 730 of the valve assembly 700 moves the valve member between theopen and the closed positions.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the showerheadassembly described hereinabove can be adapted for use for metering anair supply rather than fluid.

Referring now to FIG. 14 which illustrates a valve assembly (designatedby reference numeral 800) constructed in accordance with the presentinvention positioned within the inlet 862 of fuel tank. The use of valveassembly 800 in this application allows for the elimination of aremovable gas cap and only requires an approximately 67 degrees rotationof drive ring 890 to open the valve. The axial bore 852 of the valvemember would be adapted for receiving a standard fuel pump nozzle 855.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, there is illustrated a surgicalinstrument constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thesubject invention and designated generally by reference numeral 900.

Minimally invasive surgical procedures are commonly performed by passingsurgical instruments through a narrow tube or cannula inserted through asmall entrance incision formed in a patient's body using a trocar orobturator. For example, laparoscopic surgical procedures are performedwithin the abdominal cavity through small incisions formed in theabdominal wall. During a laparoscopic procedure, insufflating gases areintroduced into the abdominal cavity to raise the abdominal wall orperitoneum away from the vital organs within the abdominal cavity,thereby providing an adequate region in which to operate.

During a laparoscopic procedure, it is necessary to maintain theatmospheric integrity of the abdominal cavity, and thus prohibit theegress of insufflation gases for the surgical site. It is commontherefore, to provide a seal assembly within the cannula so that wheninstruments are present within the cannula and when instruments arewithdrawn form the cannula, the tubular passageway extendingtherethrough is tightly sealed to prevent the egress of insufflatinggases. For example, it is known to employ an elastomeric seal memberwith an aperture or slit that may be forced open when the instrument ispassed therethrough. The seal member prevents the egress of insufflationgasses when the instrument is present and absent from the cannula. Thereare known disadvantages to employing such seals. In particular, theopening or slit can tear when an instrument is forced therethrough, thusrendering the seal in effective to prevent the egress of insufflatinggases from the cannula sleeve.

Therefore as will be described hereinbelow, surgical instrument 900 hasbeen equipped with the valve assembly of the present invention toprevent the egress of insufflating gases through the cannula in theabsence of a surgical instrument. Surgical instrument 900 is intendedfor use as an access device, and more particularly, as a device tofacilitate the introduction of a surgical instrument into a person'sbody during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Surgicalinstruments introduced into a patient's body through the surgicalinstrument 900 of the subject invention can include. for example, clipappliers, graspers, dissectors, retractors, staplers, laser fibers,photographic devices, endoscopes, laparoscopes, tubes; and the like.

Surgical instrument or access device 900 includes a proximal valvehousing 910 having an inlet port 912 for receiving surgical instruments.Valve housing 910 includes an upper body portion 920 and a lower bodyportion 930 which define, among other things, a generally hemisphericalinternal chamber 916 for accommodating a generally spherical valvemember 950. Internal chamber 916 communicates with an outlet port 914 ofthe valve housing 910 which is axially aligned with the inlet port 912.Valve housing 910 is operatively associated with a lower cannula housing980. Preferably, the valve housing 910 and cannula housing 980 areformed of a polycarbonate material.

An elongated cannula sleeve 982 extends distally from the cannulahousing 980. Cannula sleeve 982 has an elongated passageway 984extending therethrough, which defines a longitudinal axis defined byreference character “X”. Passageway 984 is axially aligned with theinlet port 912 and outlet port 914 of valve housing 910. Cannula sleeve982 may be formed of stainless steel or another suitable rigid materialsuch as polycarbonate materials or the like. An inlet conduit 986 isincorporated into cannula housing 980 to permit the passage ofinsufflation gases through the cannula sleeve 982 and into the patient'sbody cavity. The inlet conduit 986 can include a stopcock valve, whichis not shown.

Valve member 950, which is preferably formed from a polycarbonatematerial, is mounted for axial rotation within the interior chamber 916about an axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thecannula sleeve 982. Diametrically opposed pivot pins 958 (only one pinis shown in FIG. 16) extend radially outwardly from the surface of valvemember 950 for accommodation within diametrically opposed recesses 932a, 932 b to facilitate the axial rotation of valve member 950. An axialbore 952 extends through the valve member 950, and a convex sealingsurface 954 is provided on valve member 950, spaced from axial bore 952.

Valve member 950 is mounted for movement between an open position and aclosed position. In the open position of valve member 950, which isshown in FIG. 17 a. the axial bore 952 is axially aligned with theelongated passageway 984 of cannula sleeve 982 and the inlet and outletports 912, 914 of valve housing 910. In the closed position of valvemember 950, which is shown in FIG. 17 c, the axial bore 952 extendsperpendicular to the elongated passageway 984 of cannula sleeve 982 andthe sealing surface 954 is axially aligned with the inlet port 912 ofvalve housing 910.

As described with respect to previous embodiments, a camming mechanismis operatively associated with the valve housing 910 and the valvemember 950 for moving the valve member 950 between the open position ofFIG. 17 a and the closed position of FIG. 17 c. The camming mechanismincludes arcuate cam lobes 960 a, 960 b formed on the exterior surfaceof the valve member 950 and a cam pin 922 which extends radiallyinwardly from the interior surface of the upper housing portion/drivering 920 to cooperate with the cam lobes. As before, a leading edge ofthe cam lobes 960 a, 960 b interacts with the cam pin 922. Thisinteraction facilitates movement of the valve member 950 when the drivering 920 is rotated about the longitudinal axis “X” of cannula sleeve982. When the valve member 950 is moved between the open and closedpositions, it is rotated about the pivot axis “Y” which extends throughthe pivot pin 958 of valve member 950, as illustrated in FIG. 3 b.

Drive ring 920 is rotatably mounted on the proximal end of valve housing910 and includes diametrically opposed radially inwardly extending guideribs 924 which cooperate with an annular guide surface 938 formed on theexterior of the lower body portion 930 of the valve housing 910. Stopsurfaces 940 limit the rotational motion of upper body portion/drivering 920 relative to the longitudinal axis of the cannula sleeve 982.

A fluted manipulation knob 990 is cooperatively engaged with the drivering 920. Manipulation knob 990 includes inlet port 992, which isaligned with the axial passageway 984 of cannula sleeve 982 and definesin part the inlet port 912 of valve housing 910. The engagement of drivering 920 and manipulation knob 990 is accomplished through the couplingof a pair of diametrically opposed radially outwardly extendingengagement tabs 926 on drive ring 920 (only one tab is shown in FIG. 16)with a pair of corresponding diametrically opposed interior recess 994a, 994 b formed in the interior cavity of manipulation knob 990.Alternative structural means may be provided to enable readymanipulation of drive ring 920.

A flange 942 projects radially outwardly from the lower portion 930 ofvalve housing 910 to provide leverage to the surgeon when themanipulation knob 990 is rotated. Valve housing 910 further includes amembrane seal 996 located proximal to the interior chamber 916 andretained within an annular recess. Membrane seal 996 has a centralslitted opening 998 that is axially aligned with the outlet port 912 ofvalve housing 910 and the passageway 984 of the cannula sleeve 982.Central opening 998 is dimensioned and configured to accommodate thepassage of a surgical instrument therethrough. The membrane seal 996will help to prevent the egress of insufflation gasses from the accessdevice 900 when an instrument is present therein and the valve member950 is in an open position.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, there is a perspective view of anotherembodiment of the surgical access device of the subject invention, whichis designated by reference numeral 1000 and includes a detachable valvehousing 1010. More particularly, as best seen in FIG. 5. the valvehousing 1010 is detachably connected to the cannula housing 1080. Thiswill enable a surgeon to utilize the cannula housing 1080 during theperformance of procedures in which the valve housing is not required. Itwill also enable the surgeon to readily remove specimens from thesurgical site. As illustrated, the detachable relationship of valvehousing 1010 and cannula housing 1080 is facilitated by a threadedconnection therebetween. Alternative coupling arrangements areenvisioned and well within the scope of the subject disclosure.

Although the valve assembly of the subject invention and surgical accessdevice incorporating the same have been described with respect topreferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat changes and modifications may be made thereto without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the subject invention as defined by theappended claims.

Additionally, the valve assembly of the subject invention can be used inalternative applications not described hereinabove. For example, thevalve can be installed in a sink drain to eliminate the need for a plug.Additionally, the valve can replace bungs or plugs used to sealpenetrations in the hull of boats. Still further, the valve can replacecaps on hand creams, toothpaste, etc.

As set forth above, the surgical access device of the present disclosuremay, according to various embodiments, provide for a valve member havingmore than one lumen/bores extending therethrough, e.g., FIG. 13 (as usedherein, the terms “lumen” and “bore” are intended to be synonymous). Afurther example of such an arrangement is set forth below. While theexample embodiment discussed hereinbelow relates to a valve member for asurgical device that provides a substantial seal between a body cavityof a patient and the outside atmosphere before, during and afterinsertion and manipulation of an instrument through the seal, theembodiment shown and its description in the surgical context is merelyillustrative. It should be recognized that the principles describedhereinbelow and illustrated in FIGS. 20-22 c are equally applicable inany of the other types of valves described in this application, e.g.,consumer beverage, pharmaceutical containers, automobile, etc.

More specifically, the below-referenced embodiment of a surgical accessdevice of the present disclosure contemplates the introduction andmanipulation of various types of instrumentation adapted for insertionthrough a trocar and/or cannula assembly while maintaining asubstantially fluid-tight interface about the instrument to preserve theatmospheric integrity of a surgical procedure from leakage. Examples ofinstrumentation include, but are not limited to, clip appliers,graspers, dissectors, retractors, staplers, laser probes, photographicdevices, endoscopes and laparoscopes, tubes, and the like. Furthermore,these instruments can be designed with a variety of tip configurationsand a variety of diameters. Such instruments will collectively bereferred to as “instruments” or “instrumentation” or “surgical objects.”

Particular embodiments of the present disclosure will be describedherein with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in thedrawings and as described throughout the following description, and asis traditional when referring to relative positioning on an object, theterm “proximal” refers to the end of the device that is closer to theuser and the term “distal” refers to the end of the device that isfarther from the user. In the following description, well-knownfunctions or constructions are not described in detail to avoidobscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals identifyidentical or substantially similar parts throughout the several views,FIG. 20 illustrates a surgical access device designated generally byreference numeral 2100. In accordance with the present disclosure, thesurgical access device 2100 includes a portal 2110 having a proximal end2110 a and a distal end 2110 b, the distal end 2110 a being dimensionedfor insertion within tissue to access an underlying tissue site. Theportal 2110 defines a longitudinal axis “X” and has a longitudinalopening 2112 disposed at the proximal end 2110 a for reception of asurgical object “I.”

Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21, the portal 2110 includes a cannulahousing 2114 disposed at the proximal end 2110 a and an elongatedcannula 2116 disposed at the distal end 2110 b and extending distallyfrom the cannula housing 2114. The cannula housing 2114 includes anupper body portion 2114 a and a lower body portion 2114 b which define,among other things, a generally hemispherical internal chamber 2115(FIGS. 22 a-22 c) for accommodating a generally spherical valve 2120 inmechanical cooperation. The internal chamber 2115 communicates with anoutlet 2117 of the cannula housing 2114 which is axially aligned withthe longitudinal opening 2112 and the cannula 2116. The cannula housing2114 may be formed of a polycarbonate material.

Referring again to FIGS. 20 and 21, the cannula 2116 has an elongatedpassageway 2118 extending therethrough. The passageway 2118 is axiallyaligned with the longitudinal opening 2112 and outlet 2117 of thecannula housing 2114. The cannula 2116 may be formed of stainless steelor another suitable rigid material such as polycarbonate materials orthe like. An inlet conduit 2119 may be incorporated into the cannulahousing 2114 to permit the passage of insufflation gases through thecannula 2116 and into the patient's body cavity.

Referring now to FIGS. 20-22 c, the valve 2120, which is preferablyformed from a polycarbonate material, defines first and second lumens2130, 2140 therethrough and is mounted for axial rotation within theinternal chamber 2115 about a transverse axis “Y” (FIG. 22B). Transverseaxis “Y” extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis “X” of theportal 2110. Each lumen 2130, 2140 includes one or more seals 2132, 2142disposed therein. Each seal 2132, 2142 defines a passage 2134, 2144 forreception of the surgical object “I” in substantial sealed relationtherewith. The valve 2120 is selectively positionable between a firstorientation (FIG. 22 a) and a second orientation (FIG. 22 c), passingthrough one or more transition orientations (FIG. 22 b). Each lumen2130, 2140 may be disposed in substantial alignment with thelongitudinal opening 2112 and/or the longitudinal axis “X” of the portal2110. More particularly, each lumen 2130, 2140 defines a respectivelongitudinal axis “L1”, “L2” wherein each longitudinal axis “L1”, “L2”of each lumen 2130, 2140 may be separately configured to be selectivelypositioned in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis “X” ofthe portal 2110 whereby the longitudinal axis “L1”, “L2” of therespective lumen 2130, 2140 and the longitudinal axis “X” of the portal2110 define the passage for reception of the surgical object “I.” Thelongitudinal axis “L1” of the first lumen 2130 may be disposed insubstantial alignment with the longitudinal axis “X” of the portal 2110in the first orientation (FIG. 22 a) and the longitudinal axis “L2” ofthe second lumen 2140 may be disposed in substantial alignment with thelongitudinal axis “X” of portal 2110 in the second orientation (FIG. 22c). As illustrated in FIGS. 21-22 c, the first lumen 2130 may bedisposed substantially orthogonal to the second lumen 2140, although anysuitable offset angle between these lumen may be employed. As notedabove, in addition to the valve 2120 being selectively positionablebetween a first orientation (FIG. 22 a) and a second orientation (FIG.22 c), the valve 2120 may also be positionable in a third orientation,such as a transition orientation that is located between the first andsecond orientations, as shown in FIG. 22 b, or in a differentorientation that is located beyond the first and second orientations.Advantageously, the third orientation may be a “closed” position, suchthat the inlet and outlet ports of the housing are sealed.Alternatively, the third orientation may be a position in which theinlet and outlet ports of the housing are aligned with a third lumen(not shown) of the valve member. Of course, it should be understood thatany number of lumens through the valve member are possible, the lumenshaving a variety of diameters, e.g., different or possibly the same, mayhave seals or no seals.

With continued reference to FIGS. 20-22 c, the first lumen 2130 includesa first seal 2132 and the second lumen 2140 includes a second seal 2142.The first seal 2132 has a first diameter and the second seal 2142 has asecond diameter that may be different from the first diameter of thefirst seal 2132 for receiving different sized instruments in substantialsealing relationship. Each seal 2132, 2142 may also have the samediameter. The seal diameters typically range in size from about 1 mm toabout 15 mm. In particular embodiments, one of the two seals may havediameters of 2 mm, 3 mm, or 5 mm and the other seal may have diametersof 10 mm, 12 mm, or 15 mm.

Referring again to FIG. 21, the valve 2120 includes diametricallyopposed pivot pins 2122, 2124 (2124 not shown) that extend radiallyoutwardly from the surface of valve 2120 for accommodation withindiametrically opposed recesses 2126, 2128 within the cannula housing2114 to facilitate the rotation of valve 2120 about longitudinal axis“Y.”

With continued reference to FIG. 21, the valve 2120 includes a cammingassembly 2150 for selectively positioning the valve 2120 between thefirst and second orientation about a transverse axis “Y” (FIG. 22 b).The camming assembly 2150 includes a cam surface 2152 formed on anexterior surface of the valve 2120 and a cam pin 2155 formed on a drivering 2160 located within an interior surface of the upper body portion2114 a of the portal 2110 for engaging the cam surface 2152. The camsurface 2152 is defined by a pair of cam lobes 2154, 2156 disposed at anangle relative to each other. The cam pin 2155 extends radially inwardlyfrom the drive ring 2160 mounted on the portal 2110 to cooperate withthe cam lobes 2154, 2156. The drive ring 2160 is rotatable about thelongitudinal axis “X” of the portal 2110, wherein rotation of the drivering 2160 causes the valve 2120 to rotate between the first and secondorientations about the transverse axis “Y.” A fluted manipulation knob2170 is operatively coupled to the drive ring 2160 for selectivelypositioning the valve 2120 between the first and second orientations.

In operation, leading edges 2154E, 2156E of the cam lobes 2154, 2156interact with the cam pin 2155. This interaction facilitates movement ofthe valve 2120 when the drive ring 2160 is rotated about thelongitudinal axis “X.” When the valve 2120 is moved between the firstand second orientations, the valve 2120 pivots about the transverse axis“Y”, which extends through pivot pins 2122, 2124 of valve member 2120,as illustrated in FIG. 22 b.

Referring again to FIG. 21, the drive ring 2160 is rotatably mounted onthe upper body portion 2114 a of cannula housing 2114 and includesdiametrically opposed radially inwardly extending guide ribs 2162 a,2162 b which cooperate with an annular guide surface 2164 formed on theexterior of the lower body portion 2114 b of the cannula housing 2114.Stop surfaces 2166 a, 2166 b (2166 b not shown) limit the rotationalmotion of upper body portion 2114 a and drive ring 2160 relative to thelongitudinal axis “X.”

With continued reference to FIG. 21, the manipulation knob 2170 iscooperatively engaged with the drive ring 2160. The manipulation knob2170 is disposed in axial alignment with longitudinal axis “X.” Theengagement of drive ring 2160 and manipulation knob 2170 is accomplishedthrough the coupling of a pair of diametrically opposed radiallyoutwardly extending engagement tabs 2168 a, 2168 b (2168 b not shown) ondrive ring 2160 with a pair of corresponding diametrically opposedinterior recess 2172 a, 2172 b formed in the interior cavity of themanipulation knob 2170. Alternative structures may be provided to enableready manipulation of drive ring 2160.

Referring again to FIGS. 20 and 21, a flange 2180 projects radiallyoutwardly from the lower body portion 2114 b of cannula housing 2144 toprovide leverage to the surgeon when the manipulation knob 2170 isrotated.

It is also contemplated that the valve 2120 may be field replaceable.For example, if the surgical access device 2100 is provided with a valve2120 having a 5 mm lumen and a 10 mm lumen, the physician would be ableto substitute a valve 2120 having a 10 mm lumen and a 12 mm lumen. Othercombinations of lumen sizes are contemplated and may be provided as partof a surgical kit.

While this particular embodiment is shown having seals 2132, 2142disposed within lumen 2130, 2140, it should be recognized that, in otherembodiments, the lumens 2130, 2140 may be devoid of seals, in which caseone or more instrument (e.g., septum) and/or zero-closure (e.g.,duckbill, flapper) seals may be provided elsewhere in the housing. Insuch an arrangement, the provision of different sized lumens 2130, 2140may still provide sealing advantages as compared to conventional valvearrangements, e.g., by preventing instruments having varying diametersfrom being over-angulated by a user. For example, when a relativelysmall instrument is placed into a relatively large lumen, the relativelysmall instrument may be over-angulated relative to the wall of thelumen, thereby increasing the likelihood that the instrument will causean instrument and/or zero-closure seal located elsewhere in the housingto experience “cat-eyeing” (e.g., “cat-eyeing” refers to a loss ofsealing pressure due to small spaces that can form between a seal andthe outer diameter of an instrument). By providing multiple lumen havingdifferent diameters, a user may select a lumen that is dimensionallyappropriate for the instrument to be used, thereby reducing thelikelihood that the instrument will be over-angulated relative to thewalls of the lumen and reducing the likelihood that the instrument willcause an instrument and/or zero-closure seal located elsewhere in thehousing to experience “cat-eyeing.” Of course, such a benefit, e.g., thereduction of a likelihood of over-angulating and “cat-eyeing,” may alsobe provided by embodiments of the present invention in which the seals2132, 2142 are disposed within the lumen 2130, 2140.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in thedrawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, asit is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art willallow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be construed as limiting, but merely asexemplifications of presently disclosed embodiments. Thus the scope ofthe embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and theirlegal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

What is claimed is:
 1. A valve assembly comprising: a) a valve housinghaving an upper body portion and a lower body portion, the upper andlower body portions defining an internal chamber for accommodating avalve member and a central axis for the valve, the housing havingaxially aligned inlet and outlet ports formed in the upper and lowerbody portions, respectively; b) a generally spherical valve memberseated within the internal chamber of the valve housing and definingfirst and second bores that extend through the valve member, the firstbore defining a first longitudinal axis and the second bore defining asecond longitudinal axis offset relative to the first longitudinal axis,the first bore supporting a first seal and the second bore supporting asecond seal, the valve member mounted for movement between a firstposition wherein the first bore of the valve member is axially alignedwith the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing and the second boreof the valve member is axially misaligned with the inlet and outletports of the valve housing, and a second position wherein the secondbore of the valve member is axially aligned with the inlet and outletports of the valve housing and the first bore of the valve member isaxially misaligned with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing;and c) a camming mechanism for moving the valve member between the firstposition and the second position, including cam surfaces formed on theexterior surface of the valve member and a cam pin formed on theinterior surface of the upper body portion of the housing, wherein thecam surfaces formed on the exterior surface of the valve member aredefined by a pair of arcuate cam lobes formed at angles to one another.2. The valve assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the first boredefines a first diameter and the second bore defines a second diameter,the first diameter being different from the second diameter.
 3. Thevalve assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein each one of the first andsecond bores are configured and dimensioned to receive, when alignedwith the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing, a surgicalinstrument.
 4. The valve assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein thefirst seal extends across the first bore and is configured anddimensioned to sealingly engage with a surgical instrument having afirst instrument diameter, and wherein the second seal extends acrossthe second bore and is configured and dimensioned to sealingly engagewith a surgical instrument having a second instrument diameter that isdifferent from the first instrument diameter.
 5. The valve assembly asrecited in claim 1, wherein the valve member is mounted for movement toa third position wherein the first and second bores of the valve memberare both axially misaligned with the inlet and outlet ports of the valvehousing.
 6. The valve assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein thecamming mechanism includes at least one arcuate recess formed on theexterior surface of the valve member and a cam pin formed on theinterior surface of the upper body portion of the housing for engagingwith the cam recess.
 7. The valve assembly as recited in claim 1,wherein the valve member is mounted for rotation within the interiorchamber about an axis extending perpendicular to the central axisdefined by the upper and lower body portion of the valve housing.
 8. Thevalve assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the housing includes aconnection for a cannula tube.
 9. A valve assembly as recited in claim1, further including a rotation mechanism for facilitating the axialrotation of the lower body portion of the housing relative to the upperbody portion.
 10. A valve assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein thevalve member moves between the first position and the second positionwhen the upper body portion of the housing is rotated about the centralaxis between about 57 degrees and about 77 degrees with respect to thelower body portion.
 11. A surgical device comprising: a) a valve housingdefining a valve seat for accommodating a valve member, and havingaxially aligned inlet and outlet ports; b) an elongated cannula sleeveoperatively associated with the valve housing and having an elongatedpassageway extending therethrough which defines a longitudinal axisaligned with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing; c) agenerally spherical valve member seated within the internal chamber ofthe valve housing and defining first and second bores that extendthrough the valve member, the first bore defining a first longitudinalaxis and the second bore defining a second longitudinal axis offsetrelative to the first longitudinal axis, the first bore supporting afirst seal and the second bore supporting a second seal, the valvemember mounted for movement between a first position wherein the firstbore of the valve member is axially aligned with the inlet and outletports of the valve housing and the second bore of the valve member isaxially misaligned with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing,and a second position wherein the second bore of the valve member isaxially aligned with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing andthe first bore of the valve member is axially misaligned with the inletand outlet ports of the valve housing; and d) a camming mechanismincluding cam surfaces formed on the exterior surface of the valvemember and a cam pin mounted for movement relative to the cam surfacesof the valve member, wherein the cam pin extends radially inwardly froma drive ring supported on the valve housing and mounted for rotationabout the longitudinal axis of the cannula sleeve, and wherein rotationof the drive ring causes corresponding rotation of the valve memberwithin the valve seat of the valve housing, and wherein the cam surfacesformed on the exterior surface of the valve member are defined by a pairof cam lobes oriented with respect to the axis of rotation of the valvemember at angles to one another.
 12. The surgical device as recited inclaim 11, wherein the first bore defines a first diameter and the secondbore defines a second diameter, the first diameter being different fromthe second diameter.
 13. The surgical device as recited in claim 11,wherein each one of the first and second bores are configured anddimensioned to receive, when aligned with the inlet and outlet ports ofthe valve housing, a surgical instrument.
 14. The surgical device asrecited in claim 11, wherein the first seal extends across the firstbore and is configured and dimensioned to sealingly engage with asurgical instrument having a first instrument diameter, and wherein thesecond seal extends across the second bore and is configured anddimensioned to sealingly engage with a surgical instrument having asecond instrument diameter that is different from the first instrumentdiameter.
 15. The surgical device as recited in claim 11, wherein thevalve member is mounted for movement to a third position wherein thefirst and second bores of the valve member are both axially misalignedwith the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing.
 16. The surgicaldevice as recited in claim 11, wherein the camming mechanism includes atleast one arcuate recess formed on the exterior surface of the valvemember.
 17. The surgical device as recited in claim 11, wherein thevalve member is mounted for rotation within the interior chamber aboutan axis extending perpendicular to the central axis defined by the upperand lower body portion of the valve housing.
 18. The surgical device asrecited in claim 11, further including a rotation mechanism forfacilitating the axial rotation of the lower body portion of the housingrelative to the upper body portion.
 19. The surgical device as recitedin claim 11, wherein the valve member moves between the first positionand the second position when the upper body portion of the housing isrotated about the central axis between about 57 degrees and about 77degrees with respect to the lower body portion.
 20. A valve assemblycomprising: a) a valve housing defining a valve seat for accommodating avalve member, and having axially aligned inlet and outlet ports; b) agenerally spherical valve member seated within the internal chamber ofthe valve housing and defining first and second bores that extendthrough the valve member, the first bore defining a first longitudinalaxis and the second bore defining a second longitudinal axis offsetrelative to the first longitudinal axis, the first bore supporting afirst seal and the second bore supporting a second seal, the valvemember mounted for movement between a first position wherein the firstbore of the valve member is axially aligned with the inlet and outletports of the valve housing and the second bore of the valve member isaxially misaligned with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing,and a second position wherein the second bore of the valve member isaxially aligned with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing andthe first bore of the valve member is axially misaligned with the inletand outlet ports of the valve housing, wherein the valve member ismounted for axial rotation within the valve seat about an axis extendingperpendicular to the axially aligned inlet and outlet ports of the valvehousing; and c) a camming mechanism operatively associated with thevalve housing and the valve member for moving the valve member betweenthe first position and the second position including cam surfaces formedon the exterior surface of the valve member and a cam pin mounted formovement relative to the cam surfaces of the valve member, wherein thecam surfaces formed on the exterior surface of the valve member aredefined by a pair of cam lobes oriented with respect to the axis ofrotation of the valve member at angles to one another.
 21. The valveassembly as recited in claim 20, wherein the first bore defines a firstdiameter and the second bore defines a second diameter, the firstdiameter being different from the second diameter.
 22. The valveassembly as recited in claim 20, wherein each one of the first andsecond bores are configured and dimensioned to receive, when alignedwith the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing, a surgicalinstrument.
 23. The valve assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein thefirst seal extends across the first bore and is configured anddimensioned to sealingly engage with a surgical instrument having afirst instrument diameter, and wherein the second seal extends acrossthe second bore and is configured and dimensioned to sealingly engagewith a surgical instrument having a second instrument diameter that isdifferent from the first instrument diameter.
 24. The valve assembly asrecited in claim 20, wherein the valve member is mounted for movement toa third position wherein the first and second bores of the valve memberare both axially misaligned with the inlet and outlet ports of the valvehousing.
 25. The valve assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein thecamming mechanism includes at least one arcuate recess formed on theexterior surface of the valve member.
 26. The valve assembly as recitedin claim 20, wherein the valve member is mounted for rotation within theinterior chamber about an axis extending perpendicular to the centralaxis defined by the upper and lower body portion of the valve housing.27. The valve assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein the housingincludes a connection for a cannula tube.
 28. A valve assembly asrecited in claim 20, further including a rotation mechanism forfacilitating the axial rotation of the lower body portion of the housingrelative to the upper body portion.
 29. A valve assembly as recited inclaim 20, wherein the valve member moves between the first position andthe second position when the upper body portion of the housing isrotated about the central axis between about 57 degrees and about 77degrees with respect to the lower body portion.
 30. The valve assemblyas recited in claim 20, wherein the cam pin extends radially inwardlyfrom a drive ring supported on the valve housing and mounted for axialrotation relative to the axially aligned inlet and outlet ports, andwherein rotation of the drive ring causes corresponding rotation of thevalve member within the valve seat of the valve housing.